Run, Play, Grow
“Building a community of young active kids one step at a time.”
Orangeville’s first youth run club for boys and girls ages 10-13
Our focus for the program
01
Running Form & Technique
Goal: Develop efficient, injury-resistant mechanics from a young age.
Focus: Posture, arm swing, cadence, foot strike, and stride mechanics.
Activities: Drills (A-skips, high knees, butt kicks, bounding), short sprints with form cues, and video feedback when possible.
02
Fun & Games
Goal: Keep kids coming back by associating running with fun and adventure.
Focus: Joy, creativity, and playful competition.
Activities: Scavenger hunts, running-based games (capture the flag, obstacle courses), themed costume runs.
03
Teamwork & Motivation
Goal: Foster a growth mindset and strong team culture—“Stronger Together.”
Focus: Social connection, confidence, and positive habits.
Activities: Partner drills, team relays, goal setting, cheer circles, journaling.
04
Speed & Agility
Goal: Enhance fast-twitch response and movement control in fun, engaging ways.
Focus: Quickness, coordination, and reaction time.
Activities: Short sprints (10–40m), relay races, agility ladders, cone drills, and games like “mirror tag.”
05
Endurance Development
Goal: Build a strong aerobic base and teach pacing strategies without overloading..
Focus: Aerobic capacity and pacing.
Activities: Steady runs (5–20 min depending on fitness), fartleks, hill loops, and run/walk intervals for beginners.
06
Strength & Mobility
Goal: Support injury prevention and whole-body athleticism.
Focus: Core, balance, coordination, and joint mobility.
Activities: Bodyweight circuits (squats, lunges, planks), animal movements (bear crawl, crab walk), and dynamic warm-ups.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Our daughter (13) accidentally discovered her love of running in June 2025 and took steps to train herself over the summer. All went well but when the Rising Runners program started up in Fall 2025, she jumped at the chance to get formal training and guidance from 2 fantastic coaches with lots of experience working with youth. She enjoyed learning proper running form and technique and endurance training. We are both looking forward to the upcoming spring program!
Rising Runner and Mom
Rising Runners – Parent FAQ
What age group is this program for?
Our program is designed for boys and girls ages 10–13 who want to get active, improve their running, and have fun in a team environment
When and where do the sessions take place?
We meet once a week for 1 hour, every Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
All sessions take place at the ODSS Track in Orangeville.
Is there an additional membership required?
Yes. All participants must have a Non-Competitive U16 Membership with Athletics Ontario, which costs $11.50 per year. This provides important insurance coverage and is required to participate.
What happens if it rains?
We will run in light rain—please have your child dress for the weather (hat, light jacket, etc.).
If there is heavy rain or thunderstorms, the session will be cancelled for safety. We will attempt to schedule a make-up session when possible.
What should my child wear and bring?
Proper running shoes (see below)
Weather-appropriate athletic clothing
Water bottle
Positive attitude!
What are proper running shoes?
Proper running shoes are designed specifically for running—not casual wear or multi-sport. Look for:
Flexible soles for natural motion
We recommend visiting a store like Sport Chek for help choosing a quality pair.